1
: something that is swollen
specifically
: an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement
2
: the condition of being swollen
Examples of swelling in a Sentence
There was a swelling above her eye.
The swelling around her eye should subside in a few days.
Recent Examples on the Web
Most importantly, watch for signs or symptoms of more serious allergic responses that can lead to anaphylaxis, such as severe swelling, hives away from the sting site, difficulty in breathing, mental confusion and low blood pressure.
—
Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
The swelling looks like a tiny volcano rising up from the curve of his skull.
—Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 30 June 2025
The swelling from the bite only lasted about three days.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
Most kids will recover from measles, but infection can lead to dangerous complications such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death.
—Devi Shastri, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for swelling
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Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
The swelling looks like a tiny volcano rising up from the curve of his skull.
—Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 30 June 2025
The swelling from the bite only lasted about three days.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
Most kids will recover from measles, but infection can lead to dangerous complications such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death.
—Devi Shastri, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for swelling
Cite this Entry
“Swelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swelling. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
swelling
noun
swell·ing
ˈswel-iŋ- 
: an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement
an inflammatory swelling
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